I have been researching Kayaks for quit a while now. I recently have been turned on by the x-factor. I like the bait tank that you can buy which reaaly turned me on to it. Then I saw whaere Malibu has a trollling motor mount which I read on Malibus forum a guy did this and was able to troll when he got tired and was able to fish all day. Waht do you know of this? Is this the new X-factor SD (stealth drive) I have been reading about?
I still would like to get together with you one day for about an hour and paddle yours or do yall rent them?
Live like you will live forever but live like you will die tomorrow.
Faith and Grace, I’ve also been reaserching yaks, and was pretty set on the WS Tarpon 160i angler until I checked out the X-Factor. Does anyone you know have opinions about the 160 compared to the X-Factor? Also, do you think the new Stealth Drive worth waiting for?
I just have the basic x-factor, and the only stealth drive i get is from my arms. I haven’t read up on the stealth drive system yet but the boat is capable of having a trolling motor mounted on it, and yes they do make bait tanks for the x-factor. I would love to get together with you one day and let you kick around in it. We dont rent them, but im sure me and you could figure something out. I really love this boat, its fairly fast, tracks well, extreamly stable, and has the ability to carry anything and everything i could ever want to take along. The front hatch is huge, and easy to get into, while the back cargo area is spacious enough for all of my fishing needs. With the new crate i built for it i can carry 8 rods, plus my fly-rod if i want, or i can carry a few rods a net, gaff, etc…
I still have a little work to do, im adding a depth finder, anchor trolly system, and a cajun anchor, but that will come with time…
I know there are alot of kayaks out there but, both my freind and myself have this boat, and we both will never fish out of anything else, well until I destroy this one , but seriously, if you want a serious “Fishing” kayak, this is the way to go.
Dillon,
I have test ridden the 160i from Time Out and it is a very nice yak. Frank and Dave at TIme Out are good people and I do a lot of business over there. The only reason I am looking elsewhere is because of the Malibu’s attributes. Stability, bait tank, trolling motor option and the gator hatch up front do my kids can go with me. The 160i is totally different than the x-factor. The 160i is a knife in the water and really fast. It is more narrow and longer than the x-factor which makes it less stable and a wetter ride. Depending on what you are wanting to use it for will determine which you should go with. I decided not to go the 160i route because I am wanting something stable enough to fly fish out of and throw a cast net. Now Time Out has the Native Kayak line up that you can stand and do those things. I do like it a lot too but it doesn’t have sealed hatches and will not be as quick as the Malibu.
If I like the test paddle Mike is going to give me then I am going with the MAlibu. My wife likes the Hobie mirage line up at Time Out so I will be buying her one of those in a couple of years. I test peddled the Adventure and it is awesome but again I started thinking what I wanted in a yak and the Hobie line propses problems for me if I were to have just one primary fishing yak. The peddle drive system would get my stripping line tangled and it isn;t stable enough to stand in to fly and cast. I like all the yaks at Time Out and will be buying one from them but for my primary fishing platform I am leaning towards the x-factor.
Mike when would be a good time for you? I won’t be buying one until spring so there isn’t any urgency but paddleing one sooner than later will help me make my decision and rest my brain a little. What is the SD?
Live like you will live forever but live like you will die tomorrow.
Faith and Grace, thanks for the input, I think the X-Factor is also what I am looking for in a fishing yak. The Stability and storage is my main concern. Do you know the price range of the X?
, but seriously, if you want a serious “Fishing” kayak, this is the way to go.